Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Strictly for fans of this pair, December 8, 2005
This is a review of the Alpha Video edition of AT WAR WITH THE ARMY (which is listed in the Amazon database as WAR WITH THE ARMY):
From 1949 to 1956, the boisterous team of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis starred in 16 feature-length comedies, which vary in quality from undeniably hilarious to absolutely forgettable. AT WAR WITH THE ARMY (1950) falls closer to the latter category. This lackluster effort was their first starring vehicle, released after MY FRIEND IRMA (1949) and MY FRIEND IRMA GOES WEST (1950), in which they had glorified supporting roles.
Though released by Paramount Pictures, AT WAR WITH THE ARMY was an independent production, and a threadbare one at that, which explains why, at times, it looks like Dean and Jerry are appearing in someone's home movie. Based on a stage play-and looking every bit like a dingy, cramped, photographed stage play-this alleged military farce weakens the impact of the nutty duo by continually separating them. The movie springs to life when they're allowed to sing, dance, and do imitations, but these opportunities are few, as the plot sticks rigidly on its course to Dullsville. There are enough good moments to satisfy their devoted fans (Jerry's pretty funny on the occasions where he's allowed to cut loose, and Dean has nice duet with Polly Bergen, "You and Your Beautiful Eyes"), but if you've never seen this pair in action, there are far better M&L comedies awaiting DVD release (LIVING IT UP, SAILOR BEWARE, ARTISTS AND MODELS, and SCARED STIFF, to name a few).
Alpha Video's copy of AT WAR WITH THE ARMY is one of the better editions available, although like the marginally superior Digiview release, it's missing the cast credits after the "End" title. Arguably, the best edition of this film available is the one on Madacy Entertainment's "Hollywood Classics Collection" label. Madacy's print isn't as sharp as the Digiview version, but it does have the end cast credits. Madacy also makes their edition more attractive to consumers by including two 1950s newsreels and outtakes from the Abbott and Costello films IT AIN'T HAY (1943), PARDON MY SARONG (1942), and THE NAUGHTY NINETIES (1945).
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15 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A WINNER..., April 25, 2001
This one was a nice surprise. I had already seen the movie, and had enjoyed it, but didn't know what to expect from this DVD. Face it, Madacy dosen't rank too high with collectors as far as picture quality goes! But here they surprise me with a print thats scratched, but extremely clear. And a bonus of newsreel footage from the year in excellent condition, as well as a blooper reel (not from "Army")? Things are looking up here, and at six bucks and change, some value as well! Fans should seek this one out.
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9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
At War With The Army, November 12, 2003
Hollywood Classics Collection DVD
1950 Black & White with a running time of 92 min.
Directed by Hal Walker
Starring Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin and introducing Polly Bergen
The transfer from VHS to DVD was done well. The picture quality and sound are very good.
In this film Martin and Lewis are starting out their career together. Martin plays a Sergeant that has girl troubles and Lewis plays a bumbling Private First Class. They find out that the Army isn't so accommondating to their wants or desires. Martin's singing in this film reminds us of how remarkable and charming he was. The antics Lewis performs shows us his talent of mockery and silliness. The best scenes of this film are when Lewis is dressed as a woman singing a love song to a drunk soldier and Lewis' battle with the soda machine. This film is a good family film but probably wouldn't keep the attention of the younger generations. However, for our generation, it is a nice look back at the beginning career of Martin and Lewis.
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